Running up and down a soccer field has been a part of senior forward Richard Mupfudze’s life ever since he was a child growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

It has been a dream of Mupfudze’s to play professional soccer since he first began running drills, and now the opportunity is at the tip of his toes.

Mupfudze was drafted 46th in the Major League Soccer Supplement Draft by the Chicago Fire last Thursday and said that he was surprised to get the call.

“I didn’t know I was draft eligible,” Mupfudze said. “I had been in Los Angeles practicing with the Galaxy when I found out. I had to leave practice immediately and call Chicago to let them know I was interested.”

Mupfudze had also been drafted fourth overall by the Minnesota Thunder in the United Soccer League on Jan. 24. He is the first Hilltopper to be drafted.

Coach David Holmes said Mupfudze, a four-year starter for the Hilltoppers, is a perfect candidate to play at the professional level.

“He has a chance to be very successful,” Holmes said. “Richie is a hard worker, very coachable, and brings a lot to the table for a professional team because he has good soccer intelligence.”

Mupfudze, who lead the Toppers with eight goals last season, has not missed a game since his sophomore year. He was selected to the all-Missouri Valley Conference team this season, and he earned all-Midwest Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in December.

He said that even though the transition from the collegiate level to the professional league will be a challenge, he looks forward to facing it.

“The professional level is definitely played at a faster pace, and the competition level is higher because everyone is competing for a starting spot and a salary,” Mupfudze said. “But I thank God for the opportunity and look forward to starting.”

Senior midfielder Joey German said that this is one of the most exciting opportunities for a soccer player, and that it could not have happened to a more talented person.

“He has a natural ability that no one has even seen yet,” German said. “I am sure he will be successful. I just hope I will get the chance to watch him on television.”